The Bombers are mourning the loss of past player Ian Marsh, who passed away at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer.

Marsh joined Essendon in 1976 after being recruited from North Launceston, playing 68 VFL games and booting 16 goals across five seasons.

The skillful, pacy wingman made a name for himself as one of the most eye-catching players in the League, averaging 23 possessions from 19 games in a career-best 1980 season.

The late Ian Marsh.

Tragedy struck ahead of the 1981 VFL season, however, when Marsh was diagnosed with a serious heart condition and underwent open heart surgery.

He attempted to re-ignite his career but managed only a handful of reserves games before retiring from top-level football.

Marsh's short but impactful career was rewarded with his induction into the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame.

Essendon's players will wear black armbands against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Saturday night in honour of Marsh.

Rest in peace, Ian.